Time to paint the town red for The Rowans

Staff at SSE offices in Penner Road, Havant, will be dressing up in red for The Rowans Hospice Ruby Red Day on Friday 13th February.''Pictured is: (bottom left) Andy Palmer, site manager for gas and electric operations, with his team who will be dressing up in red for the day.''Picture: Sarah Standing (150012-4053)

WHETHER it’s scarlet, crimson, bright or even ruby red, people are being encouraged to take part in a colourful fundraiser.

This year’s Ruby Red day for The Rowans Hospice takes place on Friday, February 13.

The annual fundraiser encourages people to dress in red and in exchange donate £2 to the Purbrook hospice.

Already on board is the SSE team in Penner Road, Havant.

Andy Palmer, manager of the operations department, said: ‘As a team we’re always thinking of different charities and causes we can fundraise for.

‘The Rowans is a place many people will know of and even experience so we thought we would give it a go.’

Schools, colleges, nurseries, clubs, businesses and organisations are invited to take part.

Tara Dacunha, community fundraiser at the hospice, said: ‘This is a fundraiser that everyone can get involved with.

‘It’s so easy to do, simply find something red to wear and put a small donation in the pot.

‘You can wear a red hat, shoes, tie or onesie, dress up or dress down, or challenge your colleagues to wear the most items of red clothing.

‘If you haven’t got anything red, visit one of our shops where you will find good quality items of clothing at a reasonable price – that way you will be helping The Rowans Hospice again.’

If you and your organisation are taking part in Ruby Red Day and would like to be included in a roll of honour, call Tara on (023) 9223 8531, email fundraising@rowanshospice.co.uk or go online to register at rowanshospice.co.uk/eventform.php

People will receive a fundraising pack. All money collected can be paid in online or cash can be brought into the hospice.

Money raised from this event will go towards providing services for people affected by life-threatening illnesses in Portsmouth and south-east Hampshire.